December already

I can't believe I haven't posted since Halloween. Missed Thanksgiving wishes to all and now are heading into December. I took my ABO boards on the 15th and left the testing site confident that I did well. I truly hope I am in the 90's but for sure know that I was at least in the 80%'s. We don't get our results back for 4-6 weeks so now we wait.
I have had all the g-kids over for a Saturday - four of them staying the whole night. Six kids at once ranging from 6 1/2 down to 3 months is a challenge. Our son in law, Bennett was of great help and much fun for the kids. We went to Art Unlimited and painted pottery for them to give the mom's for xmas. Mark and I picked up the finished pieces this weekend and everything came out great. The kids will be so surprised at how different their pieces look once back from the kiln. They had some trouble understanding that the paint color they picked for the projects wasn't the color coming out of the tube. I think I will go back and paint a piece myself - it was a memorable day together.
I have also met with a gal to work on editing photos and posting my artwork online. That is now my focus. I plan on doing at least 6 shows for 2010. Two of which I think I will do here just like the August event. It went well, everyone sold their work and we had a blast. So, if you see any info regarding artshows - please pass it along to me.
Well off to the treadmill - we have signed up to do the 1/2 marathon in Key West - January 31st (Landon's 3rd b-day) 2010. I really need to get my butt in gear to make this event. In July I was up to 20 miles a week for the first time in forever and lost all that due to knee problems and getting wrapped up in artwork. So did 9 miles last week - a long ways away from where I need to be - but - I am going to make it happen!!!!
Happy Birthday today to Chelsea!!!! Ben's fiance - a wonderful person, mom to Landon (and soon another son due in January ) and partner to Ben!
Make a great day!
dana

GREAT FUN FOR MY G-KIDS! These are the halloween decorations I made for the kids. Too

much sugar to eat! Their houses were really decked out for the holiday! Check out my facebook to see photos later today. Time to buckle down and study. My state boards are in 14 days!!!

Today, Ben starts the Fire Academy. I could not be prouder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow he is 22!

Wow, time flies.

Make a GREAT November!

dana

HALLOWEEN

I have great fun planned for Saturday morning. I purchased sugar skulls from Mama Bears Cafe in old town to paint for Cloee, Cameron and Landon. I am painting them so they won't eat them - way to much of a sugar buzz. For the girls I am adding butterfly wings and false eyelashes with gemstone eyes - "yes can't help but sing Betty Davis eyes as I plan this fun." Haven't decided exactly how I will do Landon's but will post pictures when finished.
I think Mark and I will put on our Harley gear with some scary make-up and sit out front with a fire going to had out candy. Each year I am disappointed that there are not more kids out there. When I grew up this was a BIG night. Of course, the world wasn't filled with as many crazy/sickos. Kids also were outside more and not glued to their tv sets and computers. Oh well, times change and we all march on.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!! CARVE YOUR PUMPKINS - BAKE YOUR SEEDS - HAVE SOME FUN!
dana

SELLING MY ART

Wow, these shows are long and I really need some different display stuff to be able to show all that I now have. Did sell some note cards and prints - big stuff needs a more art driven venue verse crafters. Thanks to my mom for helping and her jewelry was awesome. Also, Sid Delaney's work drew alot of attention. Alot of other young people were impressed and said they were going to try and do some work to show. Saw lots of old car customers, Jenny Craig clients and new optical patients so it was fun. I am getting to work on opening a shop on etsy.com so will keep you posted when I am on board.

Had a great family and friends get together for Mark's b-day but sad his sister couldn't make it in from Colorado. Then off to our annual bonfire at Spedoske's - great fun every year - his fires keep you warm no matter what!

Make a great week!

dana

OCTOBER 17TH HASLETT HIGH SCHOOL

HOLDIAY CRAFT SHOW ... Sinderella Studio Designs will be there!!! booth 128! 9am - 4pm
Prints, notecards, originals and showing work from 2 new contributors to the studio:
Helen - gemstone earrings - awesome
and Sidney Delaney.
Helen has beeen doing jewelry for over 20 years. Her work is exquisite. We will be showing earrings only for this show. She has been written up in Michigan newspapers and many own her unique one of a kind creations.
Sidney is an eleven year old with an eye for color. Her art matches her spirit when you meet her. Great fun and an inspiration for other young people interested in art to jump into it and show their work!
Hope to see you Saturday!
dana

LIFE IS SHORT

When I worked in the Emergency Room I had daily reminders on how short life was... when you leave that environment you - once again - start to take life for granted. A friend of Mark's, Brian, passed away in the early hours of Friday October 9th. Great guy, super wife, Harley rider/lover... he was the one that got Mark hot to get a bike. That bike really makes Mark smile! We were supposed to have done a color tour this past birthday weekend with Brian & Kay. He was diagnosed with lung, bone and liver cancer a few short weeks ago and is now gone. We saw him on Tuesday, he still had a spark - his sparks were always mellow - and you left wanting him to make it home so badly. Treasure all that you have - quit looking at the other guy with envy. Move forward - hug your family every single day and smile at a stranger!
love, me
-a good man will be missed!-

5k at the BIG HOUSE

What a great time running with my sons - well not literally as they were quite a ways ahead of

me but still... Becky & Chelsea were there with all the kids - even Mason tucked inside that stroller. As I approached the tunnel they were there cheering me on - and I needed it (hadn't really trained). It was cool coming out into the stadium at that level - then Alex and Ben were waiting at the finish! It was cold - but check out what Alex ran in! I will treasure today! GET OUT AND GO DO SOMETHING FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY! Thanks kids!

Love, mom / grandma